Arizona Wildcats

Dennis Scott says Solomon Hill is ready to make an impact in the NBA

University of Arizona alum Solomon Hill went to the Indiana Pacers with the 23rd pick in the 2013 NBA Draft.

The 6-foot-7 forward will likely find himself backing up Paul George and Danny Granger during his rookie season, and he will have to battle for playing time with two other emerging wing players, Chris Copeland and Lance Stephenson.

However, Hill has already won over one former NBA star.

Dennis Scott, co-host of NBA TV’s GameTime, gave his top five “ready to play rookies” on the program, listing Hill at No. 2. Scott praised Hill’s demeanor and basketball I.Q.

“I was very impressed how he handles himself with the interviews and, more importantly, on the floor,” Scott said of the Pacers rookie.

The GameTime co-host said Hill can play some time at power forward in the pros “depending on the matchup.”

Hill averaged 12 points on 49 percent shooting and made 10 out of 18 three-pointers during five Summer League games for the Pacers in July. He was chosen to the All-Orlando Summer League Second Team for his performance.

Scott said he looked for players who are hard workers, have thick skin and a great feel for the NBA job — on and off the court — when composing his rookie list. Scott’s list was comprised completely of players who played more than one year in college, which he said was no coincidence.